The Boomer Consumer is dedicated to helping boomers get what they want in life through using consumer information, making effective choices, and sharing their own experiences.

Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate..

State officials released a joint letter to Washington state employers, insurance companies, and benefit plan administrators on Thursday on healthcare benefits for same-sex spouses. Three state agencies have learned some health plans have provided dependent coverage for opposite-sex spouses of employees, but failed to provide the same coverage to same-sex spouses. This practice violates Washington […]
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Seattle Mayor Ed Murray signed legislation Tuesday raising Seattle’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. It’s the highest minimum wage in the nation, and the new requirement is making news throughout the country. The increase in the minimum wage will help low-wage workers improve their economic situation. As a consumer, I’m willing to pay a […]
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Open enrollment for all individual heath insurance plans in Washington state – whether purchased inside or outside Washington’s Exchange, Washington Healthplanfinder – ends March 31. If you need coverage by April 1, you must apply by March 23. If you apply after March 23 but before March 31, your coverage will begin May 1. “If […]
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How was your New Year’s celebration? Are you awake and happy, or are you thinking about how many glasses of wine or beer you had or how many cocktails. I was fortunate to be invited to a party at home of friends. They write predictions for the coming year, then read them at the next […]
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Although the federal government announced a hardship exemption on Friday for consumers whose individual health policies were canceled, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler urges Washington residents to carefully consider their coverage options. Individuals who received cancellation notices about individual policies will now be allowed to buy catastrophic coverage through the marketplace known as the […]
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The U.S. Treasury Department announced Tuesday that it will allow qualifying Washington businesses to get tax credits to help pay for up to 50 percent of their employees’ health insurance premium next year. “This is great news for the small businesses in our state,” said Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “I know many of […]
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With thousands of consumers still searching for health insurance and many who need coverage to begin Jan. 1, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is concerned that people may not understand all of their options for getting covered. “I’ve heard from consumers who have struggled recently to get signed up for new coverage through Wahealthplanfinder.org,” said Kreidler. […]
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In testimony Wednesday, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler urged Congress to exercise patience with the Affordable Care Act. “It’s fine to be a critic,” Kreidler told members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. “But it’s clear there are a lot of people who are hurting from having no health-care coverage.” The […]
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Note: This is a seattlepi.com reader blog. It is not written or edited by the P-I. The authors are solely responsible for content. E-mail us at newmedia@seattlepi.com if you consider a post inappropriate..